US20210196574A1 - Pill dispenser - Google Patents
Pill dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210196574A1 US20210196574A1 US17/201,417 US202117201417A US2021196574A1 US 20210196574 A1 US20210196574 A1 US 20210196574A1 US 202117201417 A US202117201417 A US 202117201417A US 2021196574 A1 US2021196574 A1 US 2021196574A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- carousel
- disposed
- pill dispenser
- button
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000006187 pill Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 99
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000003826 tablet Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 239000007894 caplet Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/0076—Medicament distribution means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
- B65D83/0409—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills the dispensing means being adapted for delivering one article, or a single dose, upon each actuation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/02—Pill counting devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J2200/00—General characteristics or adaptations
- A61J2200/70—Device provided with specific sensor or indicating means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a portable single dose dispenser for pills or tablets. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable manually operated dispenser single use single dose dispenser for pills or tablets having a safety mechanism for preventing unwanted access to the pills or tablets.
- Pills, tablets, caplets. and other terminology used for describing the same are referred to generally herein as pills; however, no limitation on the shape, structure, or contents of said pills is intended by the general use of the word pills. Persons on medication for various reasons or purposes often require a dose of the medication delivered periodically while traveling or in situations where a conventional pill bottle may not be adequate. A handheld pill dispenser is well suited for these situations, but there are problems with existing handheld pill dispensers.
- a handheld pill dispenser that manually dispenses a single pill at a time only while a simple safety mechanism is activated is not known in the art. Another feature not found on handheld pill dispensers is a reliable system for indicating the fill level of the dispenser to a user while not exposing any of the undispensed pills to the environment. There is therefore a need for a handheld pill dispenser having these dispensing and safety features.
- a pill dispenser comprises a housing having first and second opposing interior generally flat surfaces and an exterior circumferential edge.
- a circular carousel is disposed to rotate within the housing. The carousel extends beyond the edge, and outwardly facing recesses disposed on the carousel line up with an opening disposed through the edge.
- a pill dispenser comprises a housing having first and second opposing interior generally flat surfaces and an exterior circumferential edge.
- a circular carousel is disposed to rotate within the housing. The carousel extends beyond the edge, and outwardly facing recesses disposed on the carousel line up with an opening disposed through the edge.
- At least one button is accessible through an exterior surface of the housing and configured to prevent rotation of the carousel unless the at least one button is depressed.
- a pill dispenser comprises a housing having first and second opposing interior generally flat surfaces defining a space therebetween for accommodating pills, and an exterior circumferential edge.
- a circular carousel is disposed to rotate within the housing. The carousel extends beyond the edge, and outwardly facing recesses disposed on the carousel line up with an opening disposed through the edge.
- At least one button is accessible through an exterior surface of the housing and configured to prevent rotation of the carousel unless the at least one button is depressed. Rotation of the carousel when the at least one button is depressed delivers one pill per recess from the space to the opening.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pill dispenser illustrating the pill dispenser in two orientations.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pill dispenser illustrating the internal components thereof.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an internal member for a pill dispenser.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an inside of the pill dispenser where a first side of the housing has been lifted off the pill dispenser.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a carousel of a pill dispenser.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inside of the pill dispenser where a second side of the housing has been lifted off the pill dispenser.
- FIG. 1 An overview of an embodiment of a pill dispenser 100 can be conveniently provided with reference to FIG. 1 that illustrates external views of the pill dispenser 100 in two orientations.
- the pill dispenser 100 comprises a housing 110 having different first and second outwardly facing sides, 120 , 130 , as illustrated.
- the first outwardly facing side 120 illustrated as facing up on the left in FIG. 1 , includes a first circumferential edge 140 having an opening 150 disposed therethrough.
- the first outwardly facing side 120 also includes a window 160 disposed over a second opening 165 disposed through the housing 110 and having a scale 170 disposed along the window 160 .
- an internal mechanism for example, a position marker 180 (see FIGS.
- the scale 170 provides an indication of how many items, for example, pills there are within the housing 110 based upon the position of the marker 180 relative to the scale 170 .
- the second outwardly facing side 130 illustrated as facing up on the right in FIG. 1 , includes a second circumferential edge 190 .
- button 200 accessible through the second outwardly facing side 130 .
- the button 200 is part of a safety mechanism restricting access to the contents of the pill dispenser 100 .
- an outermost circumferential edge of a carousel 210 is also visible in both the left and right sides of FIG. 1 .
- rotation of the carousel 210 delivers one pill at a time from an interior of the housing 110 to the opening 150 .
- the button 200 is configured to prevent rotation of the carousel 210 unless the button is depressed.
- a sliding door 220 covers and uncovers the opening 150 .
- the pill dispenser 100 is shown in an exploded view illustrating internal structure.
- the sliding door 220 is visible at the left side near a slot 230 in disposed in the first circumferential edge 140 .
- the sliding door 220 In an open position the sliding door 220 is accommodated by the slot so that the opening 150 is uncovered.
- a tab 250 on the sliding door 220 allows a user to move the sliding door 220 between open and closed positions.
- the housing 110 comprises a top cover 240 , a bottom cover 250 , and an internal member 260 .
- the top cover 240 has an interior surface 270 that is generally flat.
- a top side 280 of the internal member 260 also has a generally flat surface.
- the interior surface 270 of the top cover 240 and the top side 280 of the internal member 260 oppose one another when assembled to define a space 290 therebetween (see FIGS. 2 and 4 ).
- the internal member 260 provides a supporting guide for motion of a sliding member 310 (see FIGS. 2 and 4 ) toward the carousel 210 .
- the internal member 260 includes rails 265 that further define lateral boundaries of the space 290 and that also serve as a supporting guide for the sliding member 310 .
- the pill dispenser 100 is shown with the top cover 240 removed and the sliding door 220 disposed outside of the slot 230 .
- the internal member 260 is visible though mostly covered by pills 300 disposed on top of the internal member 260 and within the space 290 .
- the sliding member 310 (also shown separated from the internal member 260 in FIG. 2 ) is shown positioned at one end of the internal member 260 and defining a lateral edge of the space 290 .
- the carousel 210 is shown disposed at the opposite end of the internal member 260 from the sliding member 310 .
- the sliding member 310 is biased, for example, by an elastic band 320 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 ) to move toward the carousel on the internal member 260 through the space 290 , for example, guided on the rails 265 or the like, toward the carousel 210 .
- the carousel 210 is disposed around the button 200 and includes a plurality of outwardly facing recesses 330 disposed around the carousel 210 .
- each of the recesses 330 is sized to accommodate a single pill 300 .
- the sliding member 310 pushes pills 300 disposed in the space 290 toward the carousel 210 and into the recesses 330 that are accessible from the space 290 , one pill 300 per recess 330 .
- the outermost circumferential edge of the carousel 210 extends past the first and second circumferential edges 140 , 190 (see also FIG. 1 ) allowing a user to rotate the carousel 210 .
- each of the outwardly facing recesses 330 carrying a pill 300 rotates around so that the recess 330 and the pill 300 therein lines up with the opening 150 so that one pill 300 at a time can be dispensed through the opening 150 .
- the sliding door 220 in the closed position can not only prevent prematurely delivered pills 300 from inadvertently being dispensed through the opening 150 , but can also, for example, prevent external debris from entering the recesses 330 and ultimately from entering the space 190 as the recesses 330 rotate back around to the space 290 .
- rotation of the carousel 210 is only possible when the button 200 disposed through the carousel 210 is depressed.
- the safety mechanism locks the carousel 210 against rotation.
- one or more radially extending protrusions 340 on the button 200 are accommodated within slots 350 (see FIGS. 4 and 5 ) disposed on the carousel 210 , thereby interfering with rotation of the carousel 210 .
- the button 200 is biased to remain in the undepressed position by, for example, a spring 360 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 ).
- the protrusions 340 When a user depresses the button 200 against the bias of the spring 360 , the protrusions 340 are pushed free from interference with the slots 350 allowing the carousel 210 to rotate. In this depressed position the protrusions 340 enter into cover slots 370 that prevent the button 200 from inadvertently rotating with the carousel 210 . Upon release of user force on the button 200 , the spring 360 biases the button 200 back to the undepressed position, again locking the carousel 210 against rotation.
- the safety mechanism includes two opposing buttons (not shown) both buttons disposed through the carousel 210 and biased outwardly to remain in an undepressed position.
- the first and second buttons are configured to prevent rotation of the carousel unless both of the first and second buttons are depressed.
- the first button is accessible through a first exterior surface of the housing 110 , for example, the first outwardly facing side 120
- the second button is accessible through a second exterior surface of the housing 110 , for example, the second outwardly facing side 130 .
- the two buttons could, for example, be nested inside one another such that protrusions 340 on the buttons interfere with both sides of the carousel 210 to prevent rotation when the buttons are in an undepressed position. However, when both buttons are depressed against one another, the protrusions come free from interference with the carousel 210 allowing it to rotate.
- the internal member 260 includes features that inhibit damage to the pills 300 as they are pushed into the recesses 330 . Because of the geometry of the carousel 210 it is conceivable that one or more pills could get jammed between the carousel 210 and surfaces of the internal member 260 . Once so jammed, any rotation of the carousel 210 could damage or destroy the pill 300 . To address this possibility the internal member 260 includes first and second ramped walls 370 , 380 that direct the pills 300 toward the recesses 330 . The ramped walls 370 , 380 also occupy parts of the space 290 that the pills 300 could otherwise occupy and end up being damaged.
- An arrow 390 visible on the carousel 210 in FIG. 3 shows the preferred direction of rotation of the carousel 210 consistent with the shapes of the ramped walls 370 , 380 in this embodiment.
- Other embodiments may have a different direction of rotation of the carousel 210 and/or differently shaped ramps as may be necessary for the shapes of pills being dispensed.
- the position marker 180 is disposed on the sliding member 310 .
- the window 160 is disposed over the position marker 180 making the position marker 180 visible through the window 160 .
- the position marker 180 is visible through the window 160 and is disposed near the top end of the scale 170 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the sliding member 310 repositions closer to the carousel 210 and the position marker 180 repositions under the window 160 and between the bottom and top ends of the scale 170 .
- the scale 170 (see FIG. 1 ) has a range of 0 to 40 corresponding to a pill dispenser 100 with a capacity of 40 pills, but in other embodiments the scale 170 could have other numerical values corresponding to the capacity of the particular pill dispenser.
- the elastic band 320 is disposed to bias the sliding member 310 toward the carousel 210 .
- the elastic band 320 is supported on a rigid ring 400 , for example a metal ring.
- the rigid ring 400 is disposed around a hub portion 410 of the carousel 210 and allows the carousel 210 to rotate without transferring any rotational force to the rigid ring 400 or the elastic band 320 .
- the elastic band 320 is disposed around a first portion of the sliding member 310 positioned furthest from the carousel 210 and is accommodated within grooves 420 disposed through a second portion of the sliding member 310 disposed between the first portion and the carousel 210 .
- the pill dispenser delivers a single pill at a time via manual rotation of a carousel that carries the pills from an interior of the dispenser to a dispensing opening.
- the carousel cannot be rotated unless a safety button is simultaneously depressed.
- a sliding door covers the dispensing opening in a closed position to keep debris out of the dispenser and uncovers the opening to allow pills to be dispensed.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a bypass Continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2018/054435, filed Oct. 4, 2018 and titled “PILL DISPENSER,” the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
- The present invention relates to a portable single dose dispenser for pills or tablets. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable manually operated dispenser single use single dose dispenser for pills or tablets having a safety mechanism for preventing unwanted access to the pills or tablets.
- Pills, tablets, caplets. and other terminology used for describing the same are referred to generally herein as pills; however, no limitation on the shape, structure, or contents of said pills is intended by the general use of the word pills. Persons on medication for various reasons or purposes often require a dose of the medication delivered periodically while traveling or in situations where a conventional pill bottle may not be adequate. A handheld pill dispenser is well suited for these situations, but there are problems with existing handheld pill dispensers.
- A handheld pill dispenser that manually dispenses a single pill at a time only while a simple safety mechanism is activated is not known in the art. Another feature not found on handheld pill dispensers is a reliable system for indicating the fill level of the dispenser to a user while not exposing any of the undispensed pills to the environment. There is therefore a need for a handheld pill dispenser having these dispensing and safety features.
- According to one aspect of the invention, a pill dispenser comprises a housing having first and second opposing interior generally flat surfaces and an exterior circumferential edge. A circular carousel is disposed to rotate within the housing. The carousel extends beyond the edge, and outwardly facing recesses disposed on the carousel line up with an opening disposed through the edge.
- According to another aspect of the invention, a pill dispenser comprises a housing having first and second opposing interior generally flat surfaces and an exterior circumferential edge. A circular carousel is disposed to rotate within the housing. The carousel extends beyond the edge, and outwardly facing recesses disposed on the carousel line up with an opening disposed through the edge. At least one button is accessible through an exterior surface of the housing and configured to prevent rotation of the carousel unless the at least one button is depressed.
- According to a further aspect of the invention, a pill dispenser comprises a housing having first and second opposing interior generally flat surfaces defining a space therebetween for accommodating pills, and an exterior circumferential edge. A circular carousel is disposed to rotate within the housing. The carousel extends beyond the edge, and outwardly facing recesses disposed on the carousel line up with an opening disposed through the edge. At least one button is accessible through an exterior surface of the housing and configured to prevent rotation of the carousel unless the at least one button is depressed. Rotation of the carousel when the at least one button is depressed delivers one pill per recess from the space to the opening.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pill dispenser illustrating the pill dispenser in two orientations. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pill dispenser illustrating the internal components thereof. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an internal member for a pill dispenser. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an inside of the pill dispenser where a first side of the housing has been lifted off the pill dispenser. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a carousel of a pill dispenser. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inside of the pill dispenser where a second side of the housing has been lifted off the pill dispenser. - Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar structures have similar reference numerals.
- The following detailed embodiments presented herein are for illustrative purposes. That is, these detailed embodiments are intended to be exemplary of the present invention for the purposes of providing and aiding a person skilled in the pertinent art to readily understand how to make and use of the present invention.
- An overview of an embodiment of a
pill dispenser 100 can be conveniently provided with reference toFIG. 1 that illustrates external views of thepill dispenser 100 in two orientations. Thepill dispenser 100 comprises ahousing 110 having different first and second outwardly facing sides, 120, 130, as illustrated. The first outwardly facingside 120, illustrated as facing up on the left inFIG. 1 , includes a firstcircumferential edge 140 having an opening 150 disposed therethrough. The first outwardly facingside 120 also includes awindow 160 disposed over asecond opening 165 disposed through thehousing 110 and having ascale 170 disposed along thewindow 160. In one embodiment, an internal mechanism, for example, a position marker 180 (seeFIGS. 2 and 4 ) viewable through thewindow 160 moves in association with the fill level of thepill dispenser 100 as will be more fully described below. Thescale 170 provides an indication of how many items, for example, pills there are within thehousing 110 based upon the position of themarker 180 relative to thescale 170. - The second outwardly facing
side 130, illustrated as facing up on the right inFIG. 1 , includes a secondcircumferential edge 190. Visible on the second outwardly facingside 130 isbutton 200 accessible through the second outwardly facingside 130. In one embodiment thebutton 200 is part of a safety mechanism restricting access to the contents of thepill dispenser 100. Also visible in both the left and right sides ofFIG. 1 , is an outermost circumferential edge of acarousel 210. As will be fully described below, rotation of thecarousel 210 delivers one pill at a time from an interior of thehousing 110 to the opening 150. In one embodiment, thebutton 200 is configured to prevent rotation of thecarousel 210 unless the button is depressed. The internal structure and function ofbutton 200 are more fully described below. In one embodiment, a sliding door 220 (seeFIG. 2 ) covers and uncovers the opening 150. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thepill dispenser 100 is shown in an exploded view illustrating internal structure. The slidingdoor 220 is visible at the left side near aslot 230 in disposed in the firstcircumferential edge 140. In an open position the slidingdoor 220 is accommodated by the slot so that the opening 150 is uncovered. In a closed position the slidingdoor 220 covers the opening 150. Atab 250 on the slidingdoor 220 allows a user to move the slidingdoor 220 between open and closed positions. Thehousing 110 comprises atop cover 240, abottom cover 250, and aninternal member 260. Thetop cover 240 has aninterior surface 270 that is generally flat. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , atop side 280 of theinternal member 260 also has a generally flat surface. Theinterior surface 270 of thetop cover 240 and thetop side 280 of theinternal member 260 oppose one another when assembled to define aspace 290 therebetween (seeFIGS. 2 and 4 ). In addition to defining thespace 290, theinternal member 260 provides a supporting guide for motion of a sliding member 310 (seeFIGS. 2 and 4 ) toward thecarousel 210. For example, in one embodiment, theinternal member 260 includesrails 265 that further define lateral boundaries of thespace 290 and that also serve as a supporting guide for the slidingmember 310. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , thepill dispenser 100 is shown with thetop cover 240 removed and the slidingdoor 220 disposed outside of theslot 230. Theinternal member 260 is visible though mostly covered bypills 300 disposed on top of theinternal member 260 and within thespace 290. The sliding member 310 (also shown separated from theinternal member 260 inFIG. 2 ) is shown positioned at one end of theinternal member 260 and defining a lateral edge of thespace 290. Thecarousel 210 is shown disposed at the opposite end of theinternal member 260 from the slidingmember 310. The slidingmember 310 is biased, for example, by an elastic band 320 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 6 ) to move toward the carousel on theinternal member 260 through thespace 290, for example, guided on therails 265 or the like, toward thecarousel 210. - Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , thecarousel 210 is disposed around thebutton 200 and includes a plurality of outwardly facingrecesses 330 disposed around thecarousel 210. As can be seen inFIG. 4 , each of therecesses 330 is sized to accommodate asingle pill 300. The slidingmember 310 pushespills 300 disposed in thespace 290 toward thecarousel 210 and into therecesses 330 that are accessible from thespace 290, onepill 300 perrecess 330. The outermost circumferential edge of thecarousel 210 extends past the first and secondcircumferential edges 140, 190 (see alsoFIG. 1 ) allowing a user to rotate thecarousel 210. As thecarousel 210 is rotated, each of the outwardly facingrecesses 330 carrying apill 300 rotates around so that therecess 330 and thepill 300 therein lines up with theopening 150 so that onepill 300 at a time can be dispensed through theopening 150. The slidingdoor 220 in the closed position can not only prevent prematurely deliveredpills 300 from inadvertently being dispensed through theopening 150, but can also, for example, prevent external debris from entering therecesses 330 and ultimately from entering thespace 190 as therecesses 330 rotate back around to thespace 290. - As part of a safety mechanism to prevent undesirable access to the contents of the
pill dispenser 100, for example, by children, in one embodiment rotation of thecarousel 210 is only possible when thebutton 200 disposed through thecarousel 210 is depressed. The safety mechanism locks thecarousel 210 against rotation. In an undepressed position one or more radially extendingprotrusions 340 on thebutton 200 are accommodated within slots 350 (seeFIGS. 4 and 5 ) disposed on thecarousel 210, thereby interfering with rotation of thecarousel 210. Thebutton 200 is biased to remain in the undepressed position by, for example, a spring 360 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 ). When a user depresses thebutton 200 against the bias of thespring 360, theprotrusions 340 are pushed free from interference with theslots 350 allowing thecarousel 210 to rotate. In this depressed position theprotrusions 340 enter intocover slots 370 that prevent thebutton 200 from inadvertently rotating with thecarousel 210. Upon release of user force on thebutton 200, thespring 360 biases thebutton 200 back to the undepressed position, again locking thecarousel 210 against rotation. - In another embodiment, the safety mechanism includes two opposing buttons (not shown) both buttons disposed through the
carousel 210 and biased outwardly to remain in an undepressed position. In this embodiment, the first and second buttons are configured to prevent rotation of the carousel unless both of the first and second buttons are depressed. The first button is accessible through a first exterior surface of thehousing 110, for example, the first outwardly facingside 120, and the second button is accessible through a second exterior surface of thehousing 110, for example, the second outwardly facingside 130. The two buttons could, for example, be nested inside one another such thatprotrusions 340 on the buttons interfere with both sides of thecarousel 210 to prevent rotation when the buttons are in an undepressed position. However, when both buttons are depressed against one another, the protrusions come free from interference with thecarousel 210 allowing it to rotate. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , theinternal member 260 includes features that inhibit damage to thepills 300 as they are pushed into therecesses 330. Because of the geometry of thecarousel 210 it is conceivable that one or more pills could get jammed between thecarousel 210 and surfaces of theinternal member 260. Once so jammed, any rotation of thecarousel 210 could damage or destroy thepill 300. To address this possibility theinternal member 260 includes first and second rampedwalls pills 300 toward therecesses 330. The rampedwalls space 290 that thepills 300 could otherwise occupy and end up being damaged. Anarrow 390 visible on thecarousel 210 inFIG. 3 shows the preferred direction of rotation of thecarousel 210 consistent with the shapes of the rampedwalls carousel 210 and/or differently shaped ramps as may be necessary for the shapes of pills being dispensed. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , theposition marker 180 is disposed on the slidingmember 310. When thetop cover 240 is affixed to the rest of thehousing 110, for example, by screws, rivets, or other fasteners or methods of attachment as known in the art, thewindow 160 is disposed over theposition marker 180 making theposition marker 180 visible through thewindow 160. As shown inFIG. 3 when thespace 190 is full ofpills 300 and the slidingmember 310 is disposed at an end of theinternal member 260 furthest from thecarousel 210, theposition marker 180 is visible through thewindow 160 and is disposed near the top end of the scale 170 (shown inFIG. 1 ). As eachsuccessive pill 300 is dispensed the slidingmember 310 repositions closer to thecarousel 210 and theposition marker 180 repositions under thewindow 160 and between the bottom and top ends of thescale 170. In this embodiment, the scale 170 (seeFIG. 1 ) has a range of 0 to 40 corresponding to apill dispenser 100 with a capacity of 40 pills, but in other embodiments thescale 170 could have other numerical values corresponding to the capacity of the particular pill dispenser. - Now referring to
FIG. 6 , thepill dispenser 100 is shown with thebottom cover 250 removed. Theelastic band 320, for example, a rubber band, is disposed to bias the slidingmember 310 toward thecarousel 210. In one embodiment, theelastic band 320 is supported on arigid ring 400, for example a metal ring. Therigid ring 400 is disposed around ahub portion 410 of thecarousel 210 and allows thecarousel 210 to rotate without transferring any rotational force to therigid ring 400 or theelastic band 320. In one embodiment, theelastic band 320 is disposed around a first portion of the slidingmember 310 positioned furthest from thecarousel 210 and is accommodated withingrooves 420 disposed through a second portion of the slidingmember 310 disposed between the first portion and thecarousel 210. - The pill dispenser delivers a single pill at a time via manual rotation of a carousel that carries the pills from an interior of the dispenser to a dispensing opening. The carousel cannot be rotated unless a safety button is simultaneously depressed. A sliding door covers the dispensing opening in a closed position to keep debris out of the dispenser and uncovers the opening to allow pills to be dispensed.
- Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. It is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved. All patents, patent publications and applications, and other references cited herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Claims (20)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2018/054435 WO2020072064A1 (en) | 2018-10-04 | 2018-10-04 | Pill dispenser |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2018/054435 Continuation WO2020072064A1 (en) | 2018-10-04 | 2018-10-04 | Pill dispenser |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210196574A1 true US20210196574A1 (en) | 2021-07-01 |
Family
ID=70054859
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/201,417 Abandoned US20210196574A1 (en) | 2018-10-04 | 2021-03-15 | Pill dispenser |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210196574A1 (en) |
CN (2) | CN211434219U (en) |
AR (1) | AR116590A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020072064A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD963238S1 (en) * | 2018-08-27 | 2022-09-06 | 14Th Round Inc. | Vaporizer assembly |
USD1005670S1 (en) * | 2023-08-02 | 2023-11-28 | Rong Wu | Pill organizer |
USD1006445S1 (en) * | 2023-07-26 | 2023-12-05 | Jinxi Zhou | Pill box |
USD1006429S1 (en) * | 2023-09-07 | 2023-12-05 | Guangzhou Shuangmu Technology Co., Ltd. | Pill case |
USD1006430S1 (en) * | 2023-09-08 | 2023-12-05 | Guangzhou Yueyuegui Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd | Pill case |
USD1021410S1 (en) * | 2023-03-14 | 2024-04-09 | Feifei Wu | Twelve compartment storage box |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2020072064A1 (en) * | 2018-10-04 | 2020-04-09 | Gsw Creative Corporation | Pill dispenser |
CN111557854A (en) * | 2020-05-20 | 2020-08-21 | 青岛市市北区蓝天心理研究所 | Round tablet dispenser convenient for continuous division |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3227127A (en) * | 1964-07-15 | 1966-01-04 | Gayle Robert | Pill dispenser with indicating means |
DK111972B (en) * | 1966-07-05 | 1968-10-28 | Novo Terapeutisk Labor As | Tablet container with a circular row of tablet pockets. |
US3904075A (en) * | 1974-03-29 | 1975-09-09 | Medical Dispenser Company | Tablet dispenser |
WO1997001157A1 (en) * | 1995-06-20 | 1997-01-09 | Coury, David, J. | Tablet dispenser |
US6234343B1 (en) * | 1999-03-26 | 2001-05-22 | Papp Enterprises, Llc | Automated portable medication radial dispensing apparatus and method |
WO2003100738A1 (en) * | 2002-05-20 | 2003-12-04 | Comar Inc. | Pill dispensing apparatus and system |
BR0313750A (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2005-06-21 | Pfizer Prod Inc | Apparatus for distribution of articles |
NZ539269A (en) * | 2002-09-20 | 2006-10-27 | Meadwestvaco Corp | Child-resistant pill dispenser with conveyor pivotable to dispense pill, and lockable in closed position |
GB2420775B (en) * | 2003-02-05 | 2006-11-01 | Martin John Tedham | Dispenser |
US20060124658A1 (en) * | 2004-12-10 | 2006-06-15 | Coe Matthew T | Pill dispenser with patient compliant indicating means |
PL1841669T3 (en) * | 2005-01-25 | 2010-01-29 | Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare | Dispenser |
US20090057186A1 (en) * | 2005-02-15 | 2009-03-05 | Willard Rick L | Pill packaging system |
GB0808158D0 (en) * | 2008-05-06 | 2008-06-11 | Harrison Nicholas | Needle dispenser |
US8397946B2 (en) * | 2010-04-15 | 2013-03-19 | Nathaniel G. Portney | Cartridge based dispenser system |
CN203652372U (en) * | 2013-10-15 | 2014-06-18 | 李铭焜 | Press-to-rotate medicine box |
WO2020072064A1 (en) * | 2018-10-04 | 2020-04-09 | Gsw Creative Corporation | Pill dispenser |
-
2018
- 2018-10-04 WO PCT/US2018/054435 patent/WO2020072064A1/en active Application Filing
-
2019
- 2019-02-26 CN CN201920241871.0U patent/CN211434219U/en active Active
- 2019-02-26 CN CN201910142445.6A patent/CN111000727A/en active Pending
- 2019-10-03 AR ARP190102820A patent/AR116590A1/en unknown
-
2021
- 2021-03-15 US US17/201,417 patent/US20210196574A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD963238S1 (en) * | 2018-08-27 | 2022-09-06 | 14Th Round Inc. | Vaporizer assembly |
USD1021410S1 (en) * | 2023-03-14 | 2024-04-09 | Feifei Wu | Twelve compartment storage box |
USD1006445S1 (en) * | 2023-07-26 | 2023-12-05 | Jinxi Zhou | Pill box |
USD1005670S1 (en) * | 2023-08-02 | 2023-11-28 | Rong Wu | Pill organizer |
USD1006429S1 (en) * | 2023-09-07 | 2023-12-05 | Guangzhou Shuangmu Technology Co., Ltd. | Pill case |
USD1006430S1 (en) * | 2023-09-08 | 2023-12-05 | Guangzhou Yueyuegui Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd | Pill case |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2020072064A1 (en) | 2020-04-09 |
AR116590A1 (en) | 2021-05-26 |
CN111000727A (en) | 2020-04-14 |
CN211434219U (en) | 2020-09-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20210196574A1 (en) | Pill dispenser | |
US6062420A (en) | Apparatus for dispensing pills from a blister pack | |
US5409132A (en) | Tablet dispenser | |
US8033422B2 (en) | Pill dispenser | |
US7464819B2 (en) | Child-resistant container | |
US4749093A (en) | Child-resistant medication reminder | |
EP1626914B1 (en) | Pill dispensing device | |
US7128213B2 (en) | Convertible pill container | |
US7159720B2 (en) | Container having a rotatable ring | |
US5620109A (en) | Asymmetrical portable dispenser | |
US6824006B2 (en) | Child safe container | |
US3437236A (en) | Tablet dispensing device | |
US5931302A (en) | Pellet dispenser | |
US5921395A (en) | Dispenser with safety locks | |
GB2420774B (en) | Dispenser | |
KR101652152B1 (en) | Canister for tablet having variable division-block | |
EP3960644A1 (en) | Measuring container, mounting tool, and measuring container kit | |
US4512500A (en) | Tablet storage and dispensing device | |
US20080217355A1 (en) | Small item dispenser | |
US3702668A (en) | Safety device for an aerosol or the like dispensing container | |
EP0578296A1 (en) | Tablet dispenser | |
JP2006264776A (en) | Packaging container | |
US20070272585A1 (en) | Dispenser for Holding Eg a Blister Strip | |
US3206064A (en) | Narcotics dispenser | |
JP2002193360A (en) | Aerosol container |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: APPLICATION DISPATCHED FROM PREEXAM, NOT YET DOCKETED |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GSW CREATIVE CORPORATION, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FORNARELLI, THOMAS;REEL/FRAME:056283/0907 Effective date: 20181002 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FINAL BELL HOLDINGS INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GSW CREATIVE CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:066802/0318 Effective date: 20231212 Owner name: FINAL BELL BRAND CO., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FINAL BELL HOLDINGS INC.;REEL/FRAME:066802/0277 Effective date: 20240229 |